Kat Harlton
Nashville based country singer-songwriter Austin Jenckes, recently released his debut album ‘If You Grew Up Like I Did’ via ole’s red dot label. A finalist on season 5 of NBC’s smash hit show the “The Voice” where he was on team Blake Shelton, Jenckes’ previous single “Fat Kid” was named a “Song You Need To Know” by Rolling Stone Magazine.
Filled with emotionally palpable vocals and innately strong lyrics, ‘If You Grew Up Like I Did’ is a perfect combination of rock, blues and the classic southern country soul sounds.
Austin Jenckes was born and raised outside of Seattle in the small town of Duvall, Washington. He relocated to Nashville in 2012 and has since called it home. Racking up over 10 million streams across all platforms to date, he has performed alongside the likes of Brothers Osborne, Lee Brice, The Cadillac Three and Ashley McBryde. He made his Opry debut this June, and recently performed the National Anthem at his hometown Seattle Seahawks Stadium in front of 65,000 people.
We had the opportunity to catch up with Jenckes and talk about his debut album “If You Grew Up Like I Did”, working with Blake Shelton and his Opry debut.
Kat: Can you talk about some of the inspiration behind your debut album “If You Grew Up Like I Did”? Did you learn anything about the album or yourself along the way?
Austin: I’d say time has been the inspiration. My family and friends and also the losses and successes I’ve had in my own life. From being a kid to trying to raise one and making sense of who I am and where I come from.
Kat: What is your songwriting process like?
Austin: I write 5 days a week. Mostly with others. Usually I start from scratch but sometimes there’s a riff or melody hanging around. Lately I’ve been spending a lot of time with my guitar just playing for the sake of playing. It’s helped me feel inspired in new ways. If I don’t write I get cranky so I’m always writing in a way.
Kat: What was your experience like being a finalist on season 5 of NBC’s hit show the “The Voice” and working with Blake Shelton?
Austin: it was like going to Disney land for 9 months. Definitely one of my favorite experiences. I learned to be patient with all things music and when I feel rushed or overwhelmed it helps to know that I have that experience.
Kat: You made your Opry debut this June, what does performing at such a historic venue mean to you?
Austin: The Opry is hallowed ground and it’s something that I can’t quite put into words. It means a lot and I feel very fortunate to play on that stage.
Kat: Do you have any advice for emerging artists?
Austin: I think my only advice is to take your time and don’t over think things. I’ve made that mistake and have learned how important it is to cut yourself some slack and give yourself space. The only way to have more success is to love it enough to keep at it.
For more on Austin Jenckes visit: http://www.austinjenckes.us